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What parents need to know

Some strong feelings about the end of a relationship, though nothing necessarily positive or negative.

Positive role models

Everyone feels the sting of a failed relationship.

Violence

Not applicable

Sex

A reference to kissing and "laying" with someone ("When laying with you, I could stay there").

Language

Not applicable

Consumerism

Not applicable

Drinking, drugs, & smoking

Not applicable

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that "Set Fire to the Rain" is a somewhat intense, if not overly mature, song about a girl who feels betrayed by the person she loved. The lyrics lack profanity and references to mature topics like substance use, with only a couple of light mentions of kissing and "laying" with someone. While this melodramatic tune may encourage brooding adolescents to embrace their angst , it's clean enough to be OK for most tweens and teens.

User reviews

Parents say

Kids say

What's the story?

"SET FIRE TO THE RAIN" is another single from the mega-hit album21 by Adele, the young U.K. singing sensation who's taking the music world by storm. Like many other songs on the record, this track is an angst-filled expression of disappointment about a failed romance, caused by a lying partner: "'Cause there's a side to you that I never knew, never knew / All the things you'd say they were never true, never true ... but I set fire to the rain / Watched it pour as I touched your face / Let it burn while I cried, 'cause I heard it screaming out your name, your name."

Is it any good?

QUALITY

Adele has the kind of voice that makes a song sound effortless -- including this one. You can't help but feel her pain as she belts out these melancholy lyrics in a powerful performance that threatens to take your breath away.

Families can talk about...

Families can talk about how to handle situations where you find out that someone close to you has been lying. What would be a constructive way to approach that person about the issue?

Describe some of the consequences that can happen as a result of not telling the truth.

What do you think makes Adele so popular? Her powerhouse vocals? Expressive lyrics? Both?

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About Our Rating System

The age displayed for each title is the minimum one for which it's developmentally appropriate. We recently updated all of our reviews to show only this age, rather than the multi-color "slider." Get more information about our ratings.

Great song by Adele

Amazing Song, Nothing Like the Usual

I normally can't stand Adele's music, but when I first heard this song I almost had tears in my eyes. The pop music is so catchy, and Adele's voice is amazing. It sounds so moving, unlike her other songs which sound rather old-fashioned and broken. Yes, she does mention sex, but in a way younger kids won't understand, so go ahead and listen. "Set Fire to the Rain" is a true masterpiece.

One of my favourite songs from Adele

When we think of Adele, we think of a vocal powerhouse who has won multiple Grammys. This song is no exception. Her vocals are amazing and flawless, and through emotion, she is able to effectively convey the meaning of the song. Before listening to this song for the first time, prepare a box of tissues!

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